The sunshine lit up the room as its rays glistened through the sheer, white curtains. The soft spring breeze came through the slightly opened window creating a whimsical waltz with the curtains.

The faint smell of freshly mowed grass filled the air, and birds were heard chirping.

A bouquet of blossomed bright orange tulips adorned the table, and sliced; sweet strawberries were waiting for me.

Once again, spring was graciously embracing me with its presence.

And, it had me thinking.

Had I changed much since last spring?

I am definitely older. Regrettably, I have spotted additional gray hair, appearing like wires peeking through my dark brown hair.

But, what I am wondering, or more like hoping to discover is; am I wiser?

I am always striving for better, and not the same. For some reason being the same scares me.

Adjectives like stagnant, apathy, and complacency come to the forefront of my mind.

I know, that is not me.

I tend to gravitate towards words like growth, change, and transformation.

Those words exemplify spring.

In spring the grass, plants, and flowers are growing.

The weather is changing from coolness to warmth.

And, the lifeless, leafless trees are transforming to trees that are budding with life, the squirrels and birds, and first hints of future green leaves clothe the branches.

 

For me, spring is also a time for new beginnings.

It’s a time for planting, purging, and pruning.

The planting of seeds of kindness, encouragement, and mercy, so I can harvest a heart more like Christ.

The purging of all the excess things in my life, so that I can make space for what needs to come to life.

The pruning of all the ugly things, like jealousy, bitterness, and unforgiveness, so that I could flow in the gifts of the spirit.

The outcome of the planting, purging, and pruning is like the spring rose that blooms in the summer.

Just like others are drawn to the pretty rose, they become drawn to you. They want to smell, touch, and admire the beauty you exude.

And, that is when you point them to your creator, the one that takes you from glory, to glory.

Let’s go back to my kitchen.

Today, something simple, yet profound hit me.

It’s okay to just be.  Yup. That’s it.

Recently, I heard a brief message about embracing your place.

Sometimes, I struggle with embracing the place where God has me, when it comes to my career and ministry.

I find myself wanting to do more for God’s kingdom, that thoughts of working less become a desire of mine.  But, that is not God’s plan for me, yet.

So, I need to remain thankful for my job and embrace the ministries I am blessed to be in.

Sometimes, I also struggle to enjoy the seasons of my life- a mother of two teenagers and two little children can be challenging.

But, I want to enjoy it, because one day my nest will be empty.

I consider myself to be a thankful person. However, I do experience occasions when I want more.

More isn’t all bad, but it can lead us to a place of being discontent.

It’s easy to get caught up in wanting more for yourself- striving to be a better you, and accomplishing your dreams- that you don’t enjoy the present blessings.

 

How many times have you prayed fervently for something, and once you finally get it, you find yourself merely content for a brief season before your thinking shifts to your next endeavor or desire?

What I am learning is the present is the best.

Go ahead and plant, purge and prune away. Certainly, in due time,  you will reap a harvest of growth, change, and transformation.

But, my challenge for you is to embrace the present place and season God has you in.

If it’s being single or married, embrace it.

 

If it is being a stay at home mom, or a working mom, embrace it.

If it is raising teenagers and/or little ones, embrace it.

If it is the season of the empty nest, embrace it.

And, whenever possible, please take time to enjoy a good book, watch the sunset, smell the roses, let the breeze take you, and just be… yup, that’s it.